Joseph Garraffa

March 1, 1932 - June 21, 2008
Joseph Garraffa

Gifts & Memorial Donations



Joseph Alfred Garraffa, 76, of Hendersonville, died Saturday, June, 21, 2008 at Pardee Hospital. A native of Brooklyn, NY, he had also lived in East Islip, NY. He was the son of the late Jerome and Mary Garraffa and was also preceded in death by a son, Vincent Garraffa and his first wife, Mary Garraffa.

Joseph served his country as a member of the US Army. He was an Aerospace Engineer for Grumman Aerospace and enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and golfing. He was of the Episcopal faith.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years Marianne Garraffa; four daughters, Gina Lane and husband Dennis of Churchville, PA, Leonora Porter and husband Robert of Farmingville, NY, Laurie Nink and husband Paul of Islip, NY and Suzanne Garraffa of W. Hartford, CT; three sons, Joseph Garraffa, Jr. and wife Ellen of Mastic Beach, NY, John Hovis and wife Barbara of Carlsbad, CA, and Gregg Hovis and wife Christine of Augusta, GA; nine grandchildren, Roxanne Lane, Anthony Lane, Stephen Lane, Marshall Nink, Taylor Nink, Jesslan Hovis, Jay Hovis, Cody Hovis and Chase Hovis; one sister, Mary Groteke and husband Walter of Palm Harbor, FL; and three brothers Leonard Garraffa and wife Cindy of South Kortright, NY, Jerome Garraffa and wife Cathy of Smithtown, NY and Ronald Garraffa and wife Debra of Odessa, FL.

Services will be held Monday, June 23, 2008 at 2pm at the Kirby Memorial Chapel at Shuler Funeral Home. John Hovis will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, ATTN: Tribute Gifts, Church Street Station, PO Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780; the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St, New York, NY 10016; or United Cerebral Palsy, 1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036.


Memorial

Monday, June 23, 2008
12:00 AM

Kirby Memorial Chapel - Directions
125 Orrs Camp Road
Hendersonville, NC 28792

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  • June 26, 2008
    Christina & Alyssa Riggio says:
    My sympathies to my family. I love you all and love my Uncle Joe. He is a beacon of silent strength, giver of warmth and love and a wise, intelligent man that we all looked to for guidance. We will miss you Uncle Joe. Love, Christina M. Garraffa

  • June 26, 2008
    Leonora Porter says:
    --I'm Free-- Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free; I'm following the path God laid for me. I took the hand when I heard the call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; ah yes, these things, I too, will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow; I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much; good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now, and set me free. Dad persevered through family and health challenges. He spoke of respect, integrity, obligation . . . and that a pinch of intimidation went a long way in any negotiation. During the best and worst of times, we always found time to laugh around the dinner table. Under memorable lessons learned: canary yellow epoxy aircraft paint applied to a wooden hull was not a good match, with minutes to spare on the way to the airport--you could repair a broken muffler with a wire hanger and a pair of nylons, and an appreciation of the Italian classics (not the Mona Lisa or the Tower of Pisa, but Frank, Dean and Vic). We played, scalloped and clammed off the shores of Fire Island, crabbed in the Connetquot River and learned of mountain beauty beneath the autumn leaves of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We enjoyed his stories and photos of great times at Leggo Land, Disney World, cruising through the Panama Canal, deep-fried turkey at Thanksgiving, and of priceless moments he spent with his grandchildren. Some may say he lived a full life or he experienced enough joy and heartbreak for two life times, I will always wonder what was yet to come. I write this with a heavy heart and tearful smile. From, the little piece of fruit that didn’t fall far from the tree.

  • June 26, 2008
    Debra Garraffa says:
    Love is timeless. Love is forever. My family and I will cherish the memory of and miss your constant smile, sound advice, brotherly love, card games, dancing and singing. Your family is in my prayers.

  • June 26, 2008
    Erika Garraffa says:
    Uncle Joe, My love for you is endless, and I will always remember the good times we shared. Some of my favorite memories growing up were those I spent when you came to visit. Your presence in the room was always accompanied by joy; singing, dancing, your big kisses, and card games at Grandma's house are some of my favorites. My heart goes out to all of my family and others who are affected by this loss. Love always and forever, Your niece, Erika

  • June 27, 2008
    Lenny & Angela Garraffa says:
    You will be missed by all. Your caring and concern for everyone was genuine and appreciated. I remember my dad always saying how much he enjoyed having a cocktail with you and of course engaging those debates that in most cases led to a Garraffa argument. In the end we all hugged and kissed and looked forward to the next get together. We love you and miss you cousin.